Tips to Avoid Car Accidents

Car accidents are a common occurrence, especially in Las Vegas. While you may not be able to always avoid them, there are some things you can do to improve your driving and ensure you are not at fault of an accident.

In the following 11-part series, we will cover 10 tips to help you become a better defensive driver. You will learn more about why you should do the following:

1. Avoid the fast lane. Most highway accidents occur here. Plus, highway patrol officers focus the most on drivers in the fast lane, so if you want to avoid accidents and speeding tickets, drive in a different lane.
2. Keep your eyes scanning the area ahead. Don’t just focus on the car in front of you. Look to the sides and the cars up ahead as well. This will help you prepare for any accidents that might occur.
3. Beware of blind spots. Many accidents occur because drivers rely too much on their mirrors. While it’s a good idea to adjust your mirrors for optimal viewing, they can’t see everything. Be sure to look behind you before switching lanes.
4. Drive with your hands in the 9 and 3 o’clock position. Don’t be lazy when driving. Use both hands and keep one at the 9 o’clock position and the other at the 3 o’clock position. This will allow you optimal control over your vehicle.
5. Get racecar driver control of the wheel. Drive like a racecar driver, but we don’t mean drive at speeds exceeding 100 mph. Instead, move up your seat close enough so your wrist can comfortably rest on top of the steering wheel. This makes it easier to control your car.
6. Judge a driver by his/her car’s condition. You were taught to never judge a book by its cover, but maybe you should when driving. Steer clear of extremely dirty, beat-up cars, which could indicate inattentive owners. Those with nicer, cleaner cars tend to take care of their cars better and therefore drive more attentively.
7. Know your car’s limits. Each car handles differently. Is yours good around curves? How is the braking? Get a good assessment of how well your car will react in a dangerous situation.
8. Keep your car in good shape.P Perform regular maintenance on your car. Get new tires when the tread is low and make sure the oil is changed at recommended intervals.
9. The nighttime is not the right time. Driving in the dark may be a good idea traffic-wise, but there are other dangers to be aware of, like drunk drivers and decreased vision.
10. Learn how to drive a racecar. If you’ve always wanted to be a racecar driver, this is your opportunity to drive like one. A racing school will teach you how to drive a car at its limits. You’ll learn defensive driving maneuvers so you avoid accidents.